In a whirlwind of allegations, denials, and courtroom drama, the entertainment world has been gripped by the saga involving Hollywood stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. What began as a collaborative effort on the film It Ends With Us has spiraled into a multi-million-dollar legal battle, with accusations of sexual harassment, defamation, and a bitter power struggle taking center stage. Here’s everything you need to know about the controversy that’s shaking the industry.
The Text Exchange That Sparked It All
On June 2, 2023, Blake Lively sent a seemingly mundane text to her It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni, requesting updated script pages and signing off with a casual “X”—a universal shorthand for a kiss. But what was initially an innocuous exchange took a darker turn when it resurfaced 18 months later in a New York Times exposé. The article alleged that Baldoni repeatedly entered Lively’s trailer uninvited while she was breastfeeding.
Baldoni has vehemently denied these claims, and the exchange has since become a key piece of evidence in his $250 million lawsuit against the Times. Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the suit accuses the publication of libel and false light invasion of privacy, alleging that the article distorted communications to create a misleading narrative.
The Lawsuit’s Explosive Allegations
The 87-page complaint, filed by Baldoni and nine other plaintiffs, including publicists Melissa Nathan and Jennifer Abel, claims that the Times deliberately misrepresented text messages and omitted crucial context to favor Lively’s version of events. According to the plaintiffs, the publication engaged in “cherry-picking” and manipulation to sensationalize the story.
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The Times, however, stands by its reporting. A spokesperson stated, “Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported. To date, the subjects of the article have not pointed to a single factual error.”
Blake Lively’s Role in the Controversy
Lively’s allegations, outlined in an 80-page letter to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), paint a picture of months-long sexual harassment and workplace retaliation. According to the letter, Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath created a hostile environment on set, allegedly showing inappropriate videos and making unwanted advances. However, Baldoni’s lawsuit claims Lively fabricated these accusations to gain control over the production.
One key point of contention involves a video shown by Heath, which Lively’s CRD letter described as “pornographic.” Baldoni’s suit clarifies that the video was of Heath’s wife during a home birth, presented as part of a creative discussion about a birthing scene in the movie. The plaintiffs argue that labeling the footage as pornography is a gross mischaracterization.
Ryan Reynolds’ Alleged Involvement
Adding another layer to the drama is Lively’s husband, actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit alleges that Reynolds aggressively confronted Baldoni during a meeting at the couple’s Tribeca penthouse, accusing him of “fat-shaming” Lively. Baldoni claims Reynolds also pressured his talent agency, WME, to sever ties with him months before the scandal broke. WME denies these allegations, asserting that the decision to drop Baldoni was unrelated to Reynolds.
The Times’ Reporting Under Fire
The lawsuit critiques the Times for relying heavily on Lively’s narrative while disregarding evidence that contradicts her claims. One such instance involves a text exchange between publicists Nathan and Abel, which the Times interpreted as evidence of a smear campaign against Lively. The lawsuit, however, includes additional texts that suggest the publicists were jokingly taking credit for a story they had no involvement in.
Moreover, the plaintiffs argue that the Times ignored texts revealing a coordinated effort by Lively’s team to discredit Baldoni. They allege that Lively’s publicist, Leslie Sloane, planted false stories about Baldoni’s faith and professional conduct to tarnish his reputation.
The Fallout
The New York Times article had immediate repercussions. WME dropped Baldoni as a client hours after its publication, and the controversy overshadowed the film’s success. Despite a modest $25 million budget, It Ends With Us grossed $351 million worldwide, but prospects for a sequel appear bleak given the rift between its leading stars.
New Lawsuits on the Horizon
In a surprising twist, Lively’s legal team announced a federal complaint against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, alleging retaliation for her decision to speak out. The suit accuses Baldoni of “unconscionable conduct” and breach of contract, signaling a prolonged legal battle ahead.
Industry Implications
This high-profile dispute raises critical questions about journalistic ethics, workplace dynamics, and the power dynamics in Hollywood. With both sides accusing the other of manipulation and misconduct, the truth remains elusive, and the entertainment industry is left grappling with the fallout.
What’s Next?
As the lawsuits move forward, both parties will face intense scrutiny. The discovery process could reveal new evidence that reshapes public perception, but for now, the court of public opinion remains divided.
This unfolding saga serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and high stakes of life in Hollywood, where every action—on and off set—is subject to public scrutiny and interpretation.
